British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system
A team led by Thales has been developing RFDEW. (Image: Thales)
Developed by a Thales UK-led industry consortium, the demonstrator has been designed to explore the potential of radiofrequency weapons for the UK Armed Forces and is being trialled by the British Army.
The Thales radio frequency directed energy weapon (RFDEW) demonstrator has successfully tracked and immobilised more than 100 uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a series of trials conducted by the British Army’s 106 Regiment Royal Artillery.
RFDEW uses high frequency radio waves to disrupt or damage critical electronic components inside UAVs, causing them to crash or malfunction. It is designed to provide a low-cost complement to traditional missile-based air defence systems.
The system can defeat airborne targets at ranges of up to 1km and are effective against threats which cannot be jammed using electronic warfare.
It is being developed under Project
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Prototypes ordered for next generation USMC trucks with electric power a focus]()
Prototypes ordered for next generation USMC trucks with electric power a focus
The Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) is slated to replace the existing Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) fleet, including cargo, dump, wrecker, tractor and re-supply variants which are in use with the USMC. Significantly, the vehicles will include hybrid electric technologies and onboard and export power.
-
![Tiberius Aerospace promises big on capability and accuracy with new artillery rocket]()
Tiberius Aerospace promises big on capability and accuracy with new artillery rocket
Tiberius Aerospace has deep roots in the entrepreneurial high-technology Silicon Valley in the US with its owners having established or been involved with major technology companies such as Nest, Veritone, Apple and Google. The owners shifted from this world to that of defence at the outbreak of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
-
![Dutch order for up to 1,570 trucks highlights surging demand]()
Dutch order for up to 1,570 trucks highlights surging demand
The past 12 months has seen billions-of-dollars in logistics, support and supply trucks ordered and delivered. The deals range from a US Army US$1.5 billion contract with Oshkosh, Italy for US$784 million from IDV and Canada’s US$1.8 billion order for Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks to a German order worth US$3.5 billion with Rheinmetall.
-
![Germany and UK to work on Deep Precision Strike weapon]()
Germany and UK to work on Deep Precision Strike weapon
The weapon will have a range of more than 2,000km, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
-
![International consortium bids for Spanish 6x6 cavalry scout vehicle requirement]()
International consortium bids for Spanish 6x6 cavalry scout vehicle requirement
Rival bids are expected for Spain’s 6x6 cavalry scout vehicle requirement, with an international consortium facing competition from major players including GDELS, Rheinmetall and the UAE’s Edge Group.
-
![Netherlands bolsters armed forces with Leopard tanks and Puma UAS fleet upgrades]()
Netherlands bolsters armed forces with Leopard tanks and Puma UAS fleet upgrades
The procurement announcements emphasise the Dutch Ministry of Defence’s response to NATO’s call for heavier combat capabilities for land operations.
